Kate Wailgum (back row, left) and Kathy Knapik (back row, right) pose at the Painted Owls exhibit with their students and Nestor the Owl. (Photo submitted)
WESTFIELD – As part of its 175th Anniversary celebration, Westfield State University is showcasing the owl paintings of 14 second graders from Highland Elementary School and displaying them in the lobby of the Horace Mann Building as a Painted Owls exhibit.
The artwork is from the second grade classes taught by Kathy Knapik and Kate Wailgum and led by art teacher Lori Isler. Students worked on their projects throughout the course of the school year. The paintings were originally displayed at the City Wide Art Show in Westfield. Michael Knapik, executive director for University Advancement, noticed the paintings at the show and invited the teachers to bring their students’ artwork to campus as a celebration of Westfield State’s 175th Anniversary. The mascot for Westfield State University is Nestor the Owl, so Knapik thought the paintings would be a good fit.
The contributing artists are: Julianna Artemenko, Vladimir Bardakov, Anthony Bettro, Samuel Bucalov, Gina Brock, Mayesh Darjee, Teagan Ives, Koda Jacque, Dylan Morgan, Nathanael Lilly, Lena Olieyevskaya, Victoria Panasyuk, Alexs Stvetsov, and Ruslan Tabolich.
“Expression of creativity is an integral part of the university experience and we appreciate the opportunity to connect with students at every age. More importantly, we appreciate the second graders sharing their time and talent with us. It has greatly brightened up the lobby at the Horace Mann Center,” said Michael Knapik.
Kathy Knapik, whose class consists of Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) students, said that displaying their artwork on campus encourages her students to aim high.
“It’s exciting for any child to have an experience like this, but for my young English Language Learner students – this opens up a whole new world,” said Kathy Knapik. “My hope is they will bring their families back to Horace Mann to see their artwork, and maybe this will inspire these children and their siblings to realize that college is a realistic goal for their future.”
Kathy Knapik and Kate Wailgum brought both of their classes to campus on Monday, June 23 to see their artwork displayed. The students enjoyed refreshments and greetings from Westfield State University President Elizabeth Preston and the university’s mascot that inspired the collaboration, Nestor the Owl.
The Painted Owls exhibit will remain on display until the end of July. Bringing the owl paintings to campus was made possible by the collaboration of Michael Knapik, Faith Lund, Holly Robbins, Kathy Knapik, and Kate Wailgum.
